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We present this Collection of research, review and comment from Nature Research to celebrate the award of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics to David Thouless, Duncan Haldane and Michael Kosterlitz — who are recognized "for theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter". Once an abstract field of mathematics, topology has become a key ingredient in understanding a variety of phenomena in condensed matter physics.
A new class of materials is poised to take condensed-matter physics by storm. Geoff Brumfiel looks at what is making topological insulators all the rage.
Some experts think that a quantum computation could be plaited like a skein of string. And now they may have found the sorts of string they need, finds Liesbeth Venema.
Using optical lattices to trap ultracold atoms provides a powerful platform for probing topological phases, analogues to those found in condensed matter. But as these systems are highly tunable, they could be used to engineer even more exotic phases.